Each of these Learning Communities takes a different approach to the same topic: societal constructions of right and wrong. What are the problems plaguing our society? What are the ethical implications of the choices we make as a society? These courses may require you to ask yourself those types of questions and much more, perhaps leading you to find out just what rules you're playing by. Oral and written communication skills are emphasized.

Group #1

SWMS 210: Social Issues in Gender

WRIT 140: Writing and Critical Reasoning

Group #2

REL 140: Religion and Ethical Issues

WRIT 140: Writing and Critical Reasoning

Group #3

HIST 200: The American Experience

COMM 203: Introduction to Mass Communication Theory and Research

These three Learning Communities introduce you to various aspects of written and spoken communication as well as popular culture's influence on the development of self. If you are interested in how written and other forms of media influence culture, any of these Learning Communities will be a great fit for you! These groups will give you an excellent foundation in American Studies, Psychology and History.

Group #4

PSYC 201: The Science of Happiness

AMST 200: Introduction to American Studies and Ethnicity

Group #5

PHIL 262: Mind and Self: Modern Conceptions

LAW 200: Law & Society

Group #6

PHIL  140: Contemporary Moral and Social Issues

WRIT 140: Writing and Critical Reasoning

What gives life meaning?  How does the history of our country or our human existence help or hinder a meaningful future? What is the role mythology plays in creating life's meaning today? The Learning Communities in this category face questions of epic proportions, and challenge you to think beyond the classroom and relate coursework to your own life. Oral and written communication skills are emphasized.

Group #7

COLT 250: Cultures of Latin America

ANTH 200: The Origins of Humanity

Group #8

CLAS 280: Classical Mythology

GEOL 108: Crisis of a Planet

Human diversity has many dimensions, but what are the social and/or cultural consequences of living in a global world?  Learning communities nine and ten discuss the implications of living in a diverse society, and the effects of our individual actions on the planet as a whole. Each course gives students the opportunity for personal reflection on topics through writing and discussion. 

Group #9

AMST 101: Race and Class in Los Angeles

WRIT 140: Writing and Critical Reasoning

Group #10

GEOL 107: Oceanography

ENST 100: Introduction to Environmental Studies

Group #11

HIST 255: The Evolution Debates

WRIT 140: Writing and Critical Reasoning

Either of these Learning Communities is ideal for the pre-med student, or a student with a strong interest in natural sciences or a health-related field. Taking Biology and Chemistry together follows the traditional USC pre-health track, so pre-med members of these Learning Communities will be right on schedule! Furthermore, the Learning Community serves as an additional source of support for its members who face rigorous natural science coursework.

Group #12

BISC 120:  General Biology

CHEM 105A:  General Chemistry

Group #13

BISC 120:  General Biology

CHEM 105A:  General Chemistry

Discussions relating to world culture and human history abound in these Learning Communities.  Professors in fields such as Sociology and Anthropology will challenge you to think critically about what aspects define different cultures and how historical components like music and literature relate to who we are today.

Group #14

AMST 135: People and Cultures of the Americas

SOCI 200: Introduction to Sociology

Group #15

AMST 301: America the Frontier and the New West

ASTR 100: The Universe

Group #16

ANTH 202: Introduction to Archaeology

GEOL 108: Crises of a Planet

The Learning Communities in this category are designed for the student who likes to think critically about storytelling and life. Although one Learning Community contains two film courses, you don't have to plan on applying to the Cinema school to enjoy the coursework. The second Learning Community in this group examines both the human body and mind, providing for an in depth look at what makes us tick.

Group #17

ANTH 263: Exploring Culture Through Film 

CTCS 190: Introduction to Cinema

Group #18

PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology

EXSC 205: The Science of Human Performance

Deviance, Conflict, and Terror

(TRANSFER STUDENTS ONLY)

This is a category specially selected for transfer students to sample the many different topics of interest in the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences.  The course pairings are well-suited for students interested in studying current events or questions of societal importance.  These Learning Communities introduce students to past civilizations while opening a dialogue about what makes and affects society. Departments from fields as varied as Sociology and Kinesiology encourage you to explore the cultures and subcultures around you, ranging from the largest concepts of the origin of modern day man and how people interact, to the most exact studies of  the human body and terrorism.

Group #19 (Transfer Learning Community)

EXSC 205: The Science of Human Performance

SOCI 350: Deviant Behavior  or  SOCI 360:  Social Inequality: Class, Status and Power

Group #20 (Transfer Learning Community)

ANTH 200:  The Origins of Humanity

IR 310: Peace & Conflict Studies  or  POSC 366: Terrorism and Genocide